Kremlin officials think Russia can win Ukraine war by fall, predicting allies will 'get tired of helping,' report says

According to a report, Kremlin officials are hoping that the war will be won by Russia by the end of the year.

One source close to the Kremlin told Meduza that they would grind them down in the end.

Europe will tire of helping soon or later, according to a second source.

This is both money and arms production that they need for themselves.

European nations would have to negotiate with Russia as winter approaches because they rely on its energy exports to keep people warm, according to a source.

Russian officials are not sure what victory would be. One source said that capturing the eastern Donbas region would be the bare minimum.

Russia amasses troops and other heavy weapons against the defensive lines of Ukraine in the region, which is currently on the back foot. Russia is gradually moving forward, according to officials in recent days.

The British defense ministry said on Saturday that if Russia succeeds in taking over the Donbas, it would be seen by the Kremlin as a substantive political achievement and be portrayed to the Russian people as justifying the invasion.

The sources said that the goal is to seize the capital of the country.

After six weeks of fighting in March, Russian troops failed to capture the capital city of Ukraine.

In March, CIA Director Bill Burns said that Putin thought the military could capture Kyiv in two days.

In the last few days, the allies of Ukraine have pledged continued support.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday that UK support was for the long term.

The administration of President Joe Biden is leaning towards sending advanced long-range rocket systems to Ukraine, a sign of increasing support since those weapons were previously ruled out.

European Union diplomats saw a draft statement that said the bloc was unwavering in its commitment.

Some EU states have shown signs of wavering. Hungary continues to block an EU proposal to ban Russian oil imports.

The sanctions on Russia have been criticized by Ukraine as incomplete, which it says is making the war longer and more painful.